Winter Protection for Bamboo
Many bamboos can survive lower temperatures than those at which they are rated if extra care is taken during the winter months. Most importantly, the root system must survive. Mulching around the base can keep the rhizomes from freezing. Since bamboo root systems tend to be shallow, heavy mulching is recommended where prolonged periods of cold cause the upper layers of soil to freeze solid.
Being an evergreen plant, bamboo needs sufficient water intake and protection from cold, drying winter winds. Extreme cold snaps with high winds can burn and defoliate bamboo. Plants can be protected with an antidessicant spray such as Wilt-Pruf®, and do better when sited on the south side of a building, wall, or wind screen.
If too much snow builds up on your bamboo, it can be knocked off by hitting the culms with a pole. Many species of bamboo flex with the snow load, but taller timber bamboo can snap under the weight, because the culms don’t bend as easily.
